Scott Grummer

Saturday, March 7, 2026

The Road to the Honey House, Bethesda Arkansas.
In Loving Memory, A short story tribute to my cousin, David Marion Carpenter, may you rest in peace. Love you and Miss you!...

When the news reached me, the world seemed to lose its saturation. There is a specific kind of quiet that follows the loss of someone like Davidâ€"a man whose "jabbering" and laughter were the very soundtrack of our lives. It felt as though a light had been dimmed, and the weight of that silence was heavy.
The next week was a reflection on the many memories growing up in Bethesda on Uncle Dixie and Aunt Barbara's farm. David as our "tour guide" keeping us out of trouble as kids, and sometimes participating in the mischiefs of our youth. David was a kindred spirit, "unbridled", free and full of Love. When he entered a room, people didn't know because of how much he loved to talk, but because people were just drawn to his infectious laugh and storytelling abilities.
This place, Bethesda, was the center of my identity growing up, the place where I felt safe from all things coming against me. Where names like "Chinquapin" rolled easily off the tongues of locals. As I began the drive back to Bethesda, for the grave side celebration of David's life, that sadness, began to shift. It didn't disappear, but it transformed into something eternal. The closer I got to Bethesda, the more I felt that familiar tug in my chestâ€"the same anticipation I had as a child looking for the landmarks that signaled we were getting closer to home. In that moment, I realized I wasn't just driving toward a funeral; I was driving through a map of the people who shaped my life.
I started watching the horizon, and one by one, the landmarks rose up to meet me like family members who had gone before.

The first was Ruddell Hill. I looked at the incline and thought of Marci. It stood as a silent tribute to the hard climbs we all faceâ€"the ones that require the kind of grace and grit she showed us.
Then, the road dipped toward the low bridge crossing. The water there was calm and mirrored the sky, reminding me of Aunt Brenda. It reflected her quiet beauty and that effortless creativity that seemed to flow through her like the river itself.
Further on, I passed the limestone quarry. It sat gray and eternal, the very definition of Papa Dowell. He was our bedrockâ€"the strength and resilience that remained solid no matter how many seasons passed or how the weather turned.
Then came the final, winding climb of Calaway Hill, leading up to the water tower. That was Grandma Dowell (Mop, as cousin Ginger called her). She was the life-giving water for our family, the wellspring of the laughter that sustained us for 101 years of her life.

And finally, I reached the corner of Earnheart Road and Bethesda Lane, where the Honey House stood, the final stretch home. The honey house as it was known, was the cornerstone of the community in the early 1900's, when Bethesda was a boom town from the button factory among other things. This building was the mercantile, the corner store, the center of the community.
The Honey House reminded me of David. The center of our family's joy & love!
Seeing it, the sadness of the morning finally gave way to a smile. David was the sweetness at the end of every journey. He was the toddler who shared his bathwater with real ducklings because his mother, Aunt Barbara knew he wouldn't settle for the rubber kind. He was the teenager who had to chase a goat off a preacher's car, who was visiting one afternoonâ€"hoping he wouldn't see the hoof marks tracked down the hood.
I thought of the day Papa died. I remembered how David walked up to me, sensing the leaden weight in my heart. "Let's you, me and Uncle Sonny get out of here," he had whispered.
We had piled into Papa's old cream-and-green Dodge truck and torn through the pastures and the bean fields of O'Neal Bottoms. We ended up on the banks of the White River, laughing and telling stories until the grief didn't feel so heavy anymore. In that moment, David and Sonny weren't just my family; they were the sentinels standing guard over me, protecting me from my sorrows, and ushering me into a new era with the loss of our patriarch. They were the legacy standing in the gap.

As I pulled into Bethesda, I pictured a new landmark.
My Grandmothers porch. I recalled the many early mornings lying in bed at Grandma's house, as she paced, anxiously waiting for me to wake, speaking in the low mutterings of things she needed to do that day, and with coffee cups set out. I remembered the Folgers Instant coffee she always made, with a dab of sugar and sweetened eagle brand condensed milk in a can. I then thought of David on his porch just a hundred yards away, sipping his coffee the morning he passed, reminiscing of the many conversations and laughing sessions he had with Grandma on her porch. Then while sitting in his chair, seeing Grandma coming closer and closer into view, he began to slip slowly, slowly to sleep for the last time.
I can see them now, together, the coffee is poured, and Grandma is whispering her morning stories, and David is right there, "jabbering" back, stacking laughter upon laughter. The sadness of losing him is real, but the landmarks don't lie. They've always showed me the way home, and some day, will again. But until then…
…the truck is parked. The garden is in bloom. And the sweetness of the memories remain forever in my heart, until the day I am able to join David and Grandma for a cup of coffee on that eternal porch.

Shelley Branstetter Watts

Friday, February 27, 2026

I just heard about David's passing yesterday when I was in Batesville. It saddens me to know that such a kind soul has passed. I knew David from my early school years, and can't remember a single time when he didn't have a bright smile on his face and laughter to share. My sympathy and prayers go out to all that are grieving his loss. Rest in peace David.

Jennifer Hidy

Monday, February 23, 2026

Clint, Jon and I are so sorry to hear of David's passing. Please know that we are sending you lots of love and prayers.

Joseph Hill

Monday, February 23, 2026

I was saddened to learn of David's passing. We grew up together and shared many good memories through our years in 4-H. Those times shaped us in many ways and will always be remembered. Our prayers are with you, asking God to bring comfort and peace in the days ahead.

Lila (Dowell) Herndon

Saturday, February 21, 2026

Dearest Barb and Dixie
I am so sorry for your loss. He was ao handsome and a very nice. RIP cuz. Love you all

Julie Reves

Saturday, February 21, 2026

Prayers to all of David's family.

Carla Powerd

Friday, February 20, 2026

Sorry to David's loved ones and friends for their loss. Kind regards, Carla

Clayton Covingon-Gay

Friday, February 20, 2026

You will be missed my friend.

Louise Roberts

Thursday, February 19, 2026

This is just heartbreaking. Clint, Dixie, Barbara and family, we love you all and pray for comfort. David was a wonderful friend to us girls and we will miss him so much.
The Kessinger girls.

Kay Southerland

Thursday, February 19, 2026

There are really no words to express the devastating loss. Clint, Barbara, Dixie, my sincere condolences to you, along with many prayers. David was such a bright light, full of energy, creativity, and kindness. Oh, his smile was contagious! The world is a little dimmer today without him. We all feel sad and lonely.

Lisa Sparrow

Thursday, February 19, 2026

My sincere condolences and Prayers will be with you all. David was a sweet soul. He and I bonded over our love of animals and 4H when we were kids. I'll never forget his kindness nor his smile. I'm so sorry for the loss of such a beautiful soul.

David W Robison

Wednesday, February 18, 2026

Prayers for the family and Clint. Such a loss for all that knew him

David W Robison

Wednesday, February 18, 2026

Prayers for the family and Clint. Such a loss for all that knew him

Jan Burrow Qualls

Wednesday, February 18, 2026

Fly to the angels my dear sweet school friend..

Bridgett Walters

Wednesday, February 18, 2026

Sending prayers. I am so sorry to read this. Barbara and Dixie I remember when you came out to California to visit us and we all went to Disneyland. David and I had so much fun on all the rides. Great memories.

Jennifer Cumming

Wednesday, February 18, 2026

Clint, I love you! I am very glad I was able to get to know you and I will always be grateful for the love you and David showed my mom.

Bonny Nuzzo

Tuesday, February 17, 2026

Cousin David will always have a special place in my heart. We had so much joy and laughter, so much laughter when we would get to spend time together as children. It saddens me so much to hear of his passing. I will always love David and Aunt Barbara and Uncle Dixie. I know they are hurting I thought of them all last week now I know why. I love you Aunt Barbara and Uncle Dixie . My heart hurts for you.

Jennifer Cumming

Tuesday, February 17, 2026

Aunt Barbara and Uncle Dixie, I love you so much and heart broken over David's passing. I wish I could give you a big hug right now. I will never forget the kindness and love David shared with mom after her stroke. She wore the slippers and blanket he brought her every day! I still have them. He was there for her when others disappeared. I would like to believe she was there to give him a big hug when he entered eternity. My heart is broken. I am going to miss our chicken conversations. I love you both.

Pauletta Magness

Tuesday, February 17, 2026

We are so sorry to hear of David's passing. Our prayers go out to Dixie, Barbara and family.

Sandy and Nelson Barnett

Tuesday, February 17, 2026

We were stunned to hear of David's death. I had talked with him very recently about a lotus plant he was going to bring for my pond. He was a bright spot and will be sadly missed.

Nancy Weaver

Tuesday, February 17, 2026

Praying for the kind family. Was glad to attend college with him. He did a lot of surveying which was not an easy job .

Gracie Lou Bills

Tuesday, February 17, 2026

I am so heartbroken to hear of David's sudden death and I know Clint , Dixie and Barbara are too . We had so much fun growing up together and dating as teenagers. He taught me a lot about chickens, horses and cows that i had never gotten to experience before . He loved his animals and the County Fair was so fun to experience with him each year . Barbara and Dixie were so kind to me . David was my first love and that never changed even as we chose different paths in life . I treasure getting to hug and spend time with him this past October at our class reunion . I will miss our phone calls and texts and life long friendship . My sincere condolences and heartfelt sympathies to Dixie , Barbara, Clint and his extended family and friends . You all will be in my thoughts and prayers as you share precious memories , grieve and celebrate his everlasting life with Jesus .

Michelle McSpadden

Tuesday, February 17, 2026

David was such a character and could always make you laugh. If David was in the room you knew it.
My heart goes out to Clint, Dixie and Barbara as his loss will leave such a large hole.
I am so sorry!

Jimmy and Ladene Bray

Tuesday, February 17, 2026

JDixie and Barbara,
Jimmy and I are so sorry to hear of David's death. He was a very handsome and likeable young man. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.

Penelope King

Tuesday, February 17, 2026

Our condolences sent to all of you.

Tim & Kim Thompson

Monday, February 16, 2026

We are so saddened by this. David was a classmate since childhood to both of us and such a kind person. We're so thankful we got to catch up with him at our 45 yr class reunion. He had such a great time and we all enjoyed visiting with him. He was a beautiful person inside and out. The family will be in our thoughts and prayers.

Wilsene Moody Kwok

Monday, February 16, 2026

We will always remember fun times with David at our stables learning how to ride Walking Horses. He bought some of our horses and gave them a good home. David was a nice kind outgoing person. We will miss him. Dr. Jack and Mrs. Wilsene Moody Kwok

Joy & Bud Reves

Monday, February 16, 2026

I loved David. He was so good to us and so was Clint. I didn't get to go see their house I know it's beautiful.

Barbara, Dixie & Clint I am praying for you.

Linda Jobe

Monday, February 16, 2026

My heart breaks for your loss.... May Our Loving Heavenly Father Hold and Comfort all of you.

Corrine Tate

Monday, February 16, 2026

So sorry to hear about David. Prayers for comfort and healing!

Shayne Gaither

Monday, February 16, 2026

I'm sad to hear of David's passing.

Larry Allgood

Monday, February 16, 2026

I was saddened to read of David's passing. While I didn't know David personally, I knew Jess and Dixie.

It's my prayer that Dixie and the extended family find peace in our Lord, during this time of sadness.

Laura Robertson

Monday, February 16, 2026

So sorry love David he was such a good friend prayers for Barbra ,Dixie and Clint

Della Dowell

Monday, February 16, 2026

This is such a huge loss for so many of us. David was an amazing cousin and friend to me and my kids. He helped me pick myself up and dust myself off. Was one of a kind. We have so many wonderful memories and crazy times. Fly high hun. Prayers for Dixie, Barbara and Clint. Prayers for our family please.

Crystal Nast

Monday, February 16, 2026

Dixie and Barbara, you have my deepest sympathy for your loss. David was a great guy. First time I seen him in Price chopper's years ago. All the boys is the best looking man I've ever seen. Crystal nast

Charlotte Melton

Monday, February 16, 2026

I am so sorry to hear of David's passing. You are in my thoughts and prayers.

Clay & Louise Hooper

Monday, February 16, 2026

Dixie , Barbara,& family, we are so sorry to hear about your loss. I hadn't seen David in years but always enjoyed talking to him. He was always friendly and pleasant. May God comfort and bless you. Our prayers are with you .

Betty Gaither

Monday, February 16, 2026

My prayers to you family, I remember when you had the store on Central and how gracious you all were to everyone and David working there also. May God bless each of you.

Laura Martin

Monday, February 16, 2026

I grew up knowing David. He was always so sweet and such a kind person. My prayers are with his family during this time of sorrow.

Connie Cash

Monday, February 16, 2026

So sorry to hear of David's passing. I have many fond memories of him from our days at Westside elemenary thru BHS and later visits in TX and in Bethesda when he moved back home. He was such a sweet guy. My prayers to all the family and to Clint. Much love.